Circumcision is performed in many parts of the world, for a wide variety of reasons. Whether this simple surgical procedure is performed at birth or later on in life, it can have lasting effects on a man’s physical well-being and sexual health. For circumcised men who are experiencing diminished penis sensitivity, there is hope – the use of a men’s health formula containing penis-specific vitamins and minerals may be indicated for increasing tactile sensation in the glans of the penis and improving overall penile sensitivity.

What is circumcision?Circumcision is a common surgical procedure in which the foreskin (a thin sheath of dermal tissue which covers the glans, or head, of the penis) is removed. It is performed in many parts of the world, most often at birth, but in some instances, males of all ages have the surgery performed later in life. Once the foreskin is removed, the underlying skin covering the glans of the penis is permanently exposed.

Why is circumcision done?There are a variety of reasons for performing circumcision. The primary and original reason for this surgery is ritual in nature. For instance, in the Jewish religion, the foreskin is removed on the eighth day of a male child’s life as a visible sign of his religious ties. In other traditions, the removal of the foreskin serves as a rite of passage.

On a practical level, parents of infants born in the U.S. have historically chosen to circumcise their male children for hygienic reasons, based on the belief that it is somehow “cleaner” to remove this layer of skin. However, with regular washing, this should not be an issue.

Men may also have the foreskin removed for cosmetic reasons or because of issues such as balanitis, where the tip of the penis becomes swollen and painful.

Are there any negative effects associated with circumcision?While circumcision is not necessarily harmful, it is generally not medically necessary, and increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending against it. Short term side effects may include bleeding or infection. More seriously, in the long term, men who are circumcised frequently experience diminished penis sensitivity.

According to the Circumcision Resource Center, a man who was circumcised as an adult is quoted as saying, “I play guitar and my fingers get callused from playing. That’s similar to what happened to my penis after circumcision.” The explanation for this problem lies in the fact that, after the glans is exposed, it is constantly in contact with clothing and other materials. Over time, this causes a build-up of keratinous tissue – a callous – which inhibits the nerve receptors under the skin and leads to lost penis sensation.

With diminished penis sensation, men may be unable to enjoy sex to the fullest extent possible. Some men who have been circumcised find it difficult to achieve an orgasm, and in some cases, men who lack penis sensation become impotent.

Is circumcision reversible?In difficult cases, men may choose to have their foreskin surgically restored. However, there is no guarantee that this will result in the restoration of normal sensitivity. Another technique, which may take several years to complete, is to stretch the remaining skin of the penis until it covers the glans.

Another, more pleasant and less dramatic option for increasing penile sensitivity in circumcised men consists of using a specially designed penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing vitamins, minerals and all-natural moisturizers. These ingredients are noted for their ability to improve the tone and texture of the penile skin and increase the receptivity of the erogenous tissue. Regular use may be indicated in order to restore penis sensitivity and enhance the pleasurable experience of sex.